Cold air, central heating and the temptation of a steaming-hot shower can leave skin feeling dry, tight and irritated. Dr Kyrollos Hanna explains why winter can be particularly tough on your skin, and which everyday habits are worth changing.
Winter has a habit of making itself felt in places you hadn’t particularly invited it. Cold hands, chapped lips, cheeks that suddenly feel too tight and skin that seems to have lost all interest in cooperating.
And while we tend to concentrate on keeping warm and avoiding the seasonal round of coughs and colds, our skin is quietly dealing with the consequences of colder temperatures, dry air and central heating.
The good news is that looking after it doesn’t necessarily require an elaborate collection of expensive products.
According to Dr Kyrollos Hanna, Medical Doctor and Health Advisor at Lyv Pharmacy, a handful of sensible changes to your daily routine can help reduce winter dryness and irritation, particularly if your skin is already sensitive.
Why Cold Weather Can Be Hard on Your Skin
The problem isn’t simply the temperature outside. It’s the constant movement between cold outdoor air and warm indoor environments, often accompanied by low humidity.
That combination can leave skin struggling to retain moisture, making dryness, irritation and discomfort more noticeable.
“Going from cold air to a warm room stresses the skin and can cause dryness. It can also trigger flare-ups of conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea.”
For anyone already managing one of these conditions, winter can mean paying closer attention to what goes on their skin and how it responds.
Then there is the matter of indoor heating. Turning up the thermostat may make the living room considerably more inviting, but warm, dry air can contribute to the same moisture problems experienced outdoors.
The answer isn’t to spend the winter shivering indoors. It’s to make sure your skincare routine isn’t adding to the irritation.
Five Winter Skincare Tips Worth Following
1. Give Harsh Cleansers a Rest
That squeaky-clean feeling after washing isn’t always something to celebrate.
Some cleansers contain harsh soaps that remove natural oils from the skin. When cold weather and low humidity are already contributing to dryness, aggressive cleansing can make matters worse.
Hanna recommends choosing a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, particularly for people whose skin becomes uncomfortable during winter.
Ingredients such as ceramides and glycerin are worth looking for. They can help support moisture retention without relying on an unnecessarily harsh cleansing routine.
The aim is straightforward: clean your skin without leaving it feeling stripped of moisture.
2. Moisturise While Your Skin Is Still Damp
Timing matters almost as much as the moisturiser itself.
“Moisturiser is best applied when the skin is damp as it helps to lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated.”
Rather than waiting until your face or body is completely dry after washing, Hanna advises applying moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp.
He also recommends considering a thicker cream instead of a lightweight lotion during colder weather, particularly when dryness becomes more persistent.
Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and shea butter can help with moisture retention, although the most suitable formulation will depend on your skin and how sensitive it is.
There is no great mystery here. A moisturiser needs to be comfortable enough to use consistently, not merely impressive on its packaging.
For further guidance on adapting products throughout the colder months, see our guide to building a winter skincare routine.
3. Be Less Enthusiastic About Exfoliation
Exfoliating can remove dead skin cells, but more isn’t necessarily better, particularly when your skin is already dry or irritated.
Harsh facial scrubs may aggravate sensitive areas, leaving them feeling uncomfortable rather than refreshed.
Hanna advises switching to milder exfoliating products and reducing how frequently they are used during winter. He suggests gentle exfoliation up to twice a week, although that shouldn’t be treated as a target everyone needs to meet.
If your skin is already irritated, the priority is reducing further aggravation rather than maintaining an exfoliation schedule.
Sometimes the most useful addition to a skincare routine is knowing what to leave out.
4. Turn Down the Shower Temperature
After a cold commute, a long, steaming-hot shower can feel like one of life’s more reasonable rewards.
Your skin may have a different opinion.
Hot water can remove natural oils, contributing to the tightness and dryness people often notice after bathing.
Hanna recommends lukewarm water instead, with baths and showers kept to around five to ten minutes.
Once you’re finished, gently dry your skin and apply moisturiser while it is still slightly damp.
It’s a small adjustment, but one that addresses two everyday contributors to winter skin discomfort: excessive heat and moisture loss.
5. Keep Up Your Fluid Intake
It’s easy to think about hydration during summer, when hot weather provides a fairly obvious reminder to drink.
Winter can make it less noticeable, but maintaining adequate fluid intake remains important for general health.
Hanna recommends drinking water regularly throughout the day and including water-rich foods, such as cucumber and watermelon, in your diet.
There is, however, a useful distinction between keeping your body hydrated and treating dry skin.
Drinking water is important, but it isn’t a substitute for moisturising. If cold air, heating and cleansing are contributing to moisture loss at the skin’s surface, appropriate topical care remains an important part of managing the problem.
Don’t Forget About UV Exposure in Winter
Cold weather doesn’t mean ultraviolet radiation disappears.
Hanna highlights winter sports as a particular consideration, especially skiing and snowboarding at altitude, where UV exposure can remain significant despite the low temperatures.
Snowy and cloudy conditions shouldn’t be taken as a guarantee that exposed skin is protected.
The practical point is to think about sun protection when spending time outdoors, especially during winter sports, rather than assuming sunscreen belongs exclusively to summer holidays.
When Dry Skin Needs More Than a Change of Routine
Most everyday winter skincare advice centres on preventing dryness and reducing irritation. But persistent or worsening symptoms shouldn’t simply be dismissed as another inconvenience of colder weather.
“See your GP or pharmacist if dry skin is itchy or doesn’t improve, if it cracks or bleeds, or if it looks infected. They can recommend suitable treatments.”
That distinction matters, particularly for anyone with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea or recurring skin problems.
As our guide to skin concerns and professional treatment explains, some problems can be managed with appropriate home care, while others need a professional assessment.
For everyone else, a gentler cleanser, regular moisturising, less aggressive exfoliation and shorter, cooler showers provide a sensible starting point.
Winter may be determined to make life uncomfortable, but there’s no need to give it quite so much assistance from the bathroom.
